Page 28 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
The room erupts with questions, cameras flashing like lightning in a summer storm.Sterling's lawyer is now on his feet, waving his hands."This is outrageous!My client categorically denies any involvement in---"
"Save it for court," Buck hollers from the other side of the room.He strides toward the podium with the confidence of a man who's seen it all and then some."Ladies and gentlemen, as a PRCA representative for over thirty years, I've witnessed my share of rivalries, but this crosses every line we have in professional rodeo."
The lawyer sputters, but Buck isn't finished.He produces a folder and slaps it down on the podium beside us.
"The PRCA Ethics Committee has reviewed the evidence independently and reached their own conclusions," Buck announces, his expression solemn."Effective immediately, Brock Sterling and Maddie Vale are suspended from competition pending a full disciplinary hearing."
The room explodes.Reporters leap to their feet, shouting questions over each other while cameras flash like strobe lights.In the chaos, I see Sterling's face contort with rage, his lawyer desperately trying to control him.But it's too late.Brock shoves past his attorney and storms toward our table, pointing an accusing finger.
"This is a setup!"he shouts, his eyes bulging, his hands fisted as he shakes them violently."You think you can just waltz in here with some doctored emails and take me down?Do you know who I am?This is a disgrace!"
Security moves in quickly, but not before Jo rises to her feet, perfectly calm despite the chaos raging around us."We know exactly who you are, Brock.That's the problem."
The guards flank Sterling, who's now red-faced and snarling about lawsuits.Reporters shout questions over each other, and cameras flash like strobe lights.Amid the chaos, I spot Brock's face, contort with rage, and his lawyer desperately trying to control him.But it's too late.Brock shoves past his attorney, nearly knocking the guy down, and storms toward our table.
He jabs an accusing finger at me."You'll get yours, McKendrick.Mark my words."
Security moves in swiftly, taking control of the situation.The guards escort Sterling out, his protests fading as the doors swing shut behind him.A moment of stunned silence follows before the room erupts again.Reporters shout questions from every direction.I catch Buck's eye across the podium, and his slight nod tells me we've won this round.
"One at a time, please," Jo says, raising her hands to calm the frenzy.Her voice carries the same natural authority that first drew me to her.
A reporter from Western Rodeo Magazine stands up."Now that Sterling and Vale have been suspended, what does this mean for you two and the PRCA campaign?"
Jo glances at me, and I take the cue."Nothing's changed.We have amazing opportunities ahead of us, and we look forward to our future together."
Another reporter jumps in."What about the wedding, Ms.Callahan?Is that still happening?"
"The wedding is very much on."
Buck steps forward again, clearing his throat."I've got a statement from the PRCA selection committee."He unfolds an official-looking paper."In light of recent events and the evidence presented today, the PRCA is pleased to announce that Clay McKendrick and Jolene Callahan have been selected as the featured couple for the Western Heritage Brands national campaign."
The room goes dead silent for a heartbeat before erupting into chaos again.I feel Jo's hand squeeze mine tightly.We did it.We actually did it.
"The selection committee was impressed not only by their competitive achievements," Buck continues, raising his voice over the commotion, "but by their integrity in bringing this matter to light.They represent the authentic spirit of rodeo that Western Heritage Brands wants to showcase."
A reporter from Rodeo Today shouts over the noise."What's the timeline for the campaign launch?"
Buck grins."Filming begins next month, with the first commercials airing during the National Finals Rodeo broadcast.But in the meantime, these two consummate champions will be competing in every rodeo they can find."
He's not exaggerating.Jo and I both agreed to a crazy schedule.Getting back to basics, to what we do the best, feels like coming home after a long time away.
Can't wait to hear those wedding bells.
Chapter Sixteen
The Final Showdown
The Las Vegas rodeo turns out to be an incredible experience, and nobody mentions Brock or Maddie.They've become pariahs in the rodeo world.But Jo and I are on fire everywhere we go, setting our own records as well as PRCA records too.All the drama and stress of the past few months has been burned away, leaving only pure skill and determination.Jo sets another barrel racing record---her third this season---while I manage to stay on a bull that's sent five other cowboys to the dirt in under four seconds.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Buck's voice echoes across the arena as I dust myself off, "that's an eighty-nine point ride for Clay McKendrick!That puts him in first place going into the final round!"
The crowd goes crazy.Jo leaps to her feet, hat in the air, whooping like a wild woman.The sight of her celebrating my success makes me start whooping too.
After the competition ends, we meet up behind the stock pens, away from the crowds and cameras.Adrenaline still courses through my veins, but I feel something else too---a sense of completion that has nothing to do with scores.
"We make a hell of a team, don't we?"Jo says, leaning against the fence rail.Her hair's come loose from her ponytail, and I see a smudge of dirt on her cheek from where she hugged me."You ride the broncs and bulls to record times while I rock the barrel racing and team roping."
"We're the best for sure," I agree, reaching out to brush the dirt away with my thumb."Think we can keep this up for the next fifty years or so?"
